Shoes

You may not be headed to St. Tropez, or anywhere along the French coast, but making a nod to the Breton top this spring will steer you well.

Gorgeous Chloe 2014 Nautical Designs. Photo Courtesy of: Vogue HK

The marinière, or more commonly known striped Breton shirt, was a uniform of seamen in Brittany around 1850. According to various sources, the original shirt featured 21 stripes, one corresponding to each of Napoleon’s victories.

After a visit to the coast, Coco Chanel was inspired by the seamen’s uniform and introduced it into her collection in 1917. She paired the top with wide flared trousers (see above). A style that endures today almost 100 years later and still caught our eye when flipping through Vogue HK.

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In February 2014 the iconic Puma Disc Blaze collection will be released and more importantly, designed for the first time for women. At the helm of the collection showcasing four unique versions is an iconic femme herself, synonymous with the word style—Solange.

Late last year, Puma announced a special relationship with Solange as she comes aboard as creative consultant for the brand.

Puma creative sent out via Instagram by Ms. Knowles to announce the collaboration and the Blaze Disc.

Photo Courtesy of Jonesmagazine.com

Through her design, Solange points a nod in the direction all eyes will be pointing in 2014—Brazil. As the country gets ready to hold the World Cup, the collection celebrates the nation’s aesthetic through design.

Photo Courtesy of: thefashionfoot.com

The Disc Blaze first came out in 1992 as the world’s first laceless running shoe. Today it strides right back into the spotlight with style and street cred.

Sure to fly off of shelves in February it’s worth that special mark in your calendar.

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For shoe shopping, few stores can compare with ‘Gossip Shoes’ in the Palladium Mall. Like the city of Mumbai itself, Gossip is a world-wind of colors, bright and metallic that makes your head spin with the myriad of choices.

There must be more than 500 styles available, each more flamboyant than the last.

Reminiscent of Rene Caovilla jeweled sandals

You cannot buy them all, but at approximately $30.00 a piece you can splurge on a few pairs…

Pink Faux Snakeskin Toe-Ring Wedges

Gossip shoes is easily located in the beautiful Palladium Shopping Mall, formerly known as Phoenix Mills one of the largest shopping areas in India.

Gossip Shoes:

Shop No., S-20, Palladium

Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400 013

There are so many great shoes we could keep the photos rolling on and on, but we have to stop somewhere. If you are in Mumbai, or planning your trip, make sure Gossip is on your list.

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The hotly anticipated collaboration collection between Isabel Marant and H&M debuts in just 2 weeks on November 14th. We already know it is going to be a sell-out courtesy of the look book and if you still have any doubts they can be washed away after seeing a star-studded lineup looking flawless in her attire.

One reason why we particularly love this collaboration is that her collection for H&M actually looks like pieces we just saw in her 2013 Pre-Fall and Fall collection. She has not dumbed anything down for the masses, and uses the same signature charcoal grey/bright red and white with a bohemian twist—bold combination.

If you missed these amazing jeans earlier this year (below). You get a second chance at her winning color combo via her pièce de résistance jacket.

Photo Courtesy of: Song of Style.

Using the same basic colors and bohemian aesthetic. This jacket is available in stores and online for £199.99 on 11/14.

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We featured this fabulous scarf straight off of the runway in our August 5, 2013 post. Now you can get an almost identical version.

Isabel Marant Pre Fall 2013 Collection. Notice the thin scarf of the model on the right.

This scarf reminiscent of the two above is available at H&M.

Metallic scarf available at H&M will retail at a very affordable £29.99

Studs and grommets which factored heavily in her Fall Collections are also beautifully incorporated into the H&M line.

Her studded Elvis Leather Sandals caused a stir earlier this year.

In the same vein, her studded pumps for H&M are already adorning the most fashionable feet.

Studded pumps available at H&M on 11/14 retail for £99.99.

Buy two or three pieces from this line and you will easily hit on major trends of the season as well as (and most importantly) her very signature style.This element stayed truly intact with her H&M collection. The pieces are cutting-edge enough to very easily slide right into all of next year’s seasons.

Her lace up leather pants capture a trend that has been brewing and picking up momentum since Fendi and DKNY last spring. At this price point they will make a very big splash.

White leather lace up trousers. How can you go wrong?

Perfect for any evening soirée.

Leather lace-up trousers available at H&M on 11/14 retail for £179.99

A sleek, sexy and perfect look all from the line. Photo courtesy of: Getty Images.

Marant insists she designs for everyone, which means you! So get ready to switch on your lap top at 12:00 pm or head to your local store at 8:00 am on 11/14 and claim your favorite pieces.

Choi helped with the Prabal Gurung show, choosing military camouflage chic for the models.

1.) Paint nails a dark gold such as Sally Hansen’s Coat of Arms. Let them dry

2.) Grab an Olive Green polish such as Sally Hansen’s Loden Green. Place the brush on the bottom left corner and sweep it diagonally across the surface. Then place the brush on the bottom right corner and sweep it diagonally leaving you with a very narrow gold v.

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You’ve definitely seen this look before, but with the slew of chic strapless dresses available this summer trying it is a must! The underlying t-shirt is most commonly done in white, but we’ll try a few bright colors below too just to keep it fresh & fun!

Emma Stone looks lovely in Lanvin. Photo Courtesy of: InStyle

Katy Perry in Dolce & Gabbana. Photo Courtesy of: Vogue Magazine

Chances are, you have a black strapless dress in your closet already. But, if you don’t, here are a few to consider.

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New arrivals for fall may not be taking up major retail space in stores right now, but the online world is already showcasing their favorite footwear for the brisker months.

A Small Preview Follows:

This glam take on camouflage hits the top of the list. It will match with absolutely everything this fall from your favorite pair of leather pants to a sleek cocktail dress and will add panache to a pair of evening shorts.

Boots are still a must for fall. While everyone is wearing above the knee sky-highs (and we will do a post looking at favorites soon), be the outlier who sports these unique biker boots. Why we fell for them…the rosettes are perfectly unexpected on this tough pair.

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Transitioning seamlessly from spring to summer to fall, the glamour of gingham never misses a beat! From beach-side shorts to a preview of looks to come in the fall, gingham grips its place center-stage and won’t let go!

“Finding beauty in the unloved is important to me,” says Danish designer Nina Tolstrup. Indeed: In conjunction with London design gallery 19 Greek Street, Tolstrup created a standout limited-edition line of day-beds, sofas, chairs, and tables using discarded seating from London second-hand shop and bolts of kinky fabric left-over from Marc by Marc Jacobs’ spring 2013 collection.” (Text and below photo from Elle). Fabulous!!!!

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When your toes touch the warm sand, or you strut a glossy new pedicure, make sure your feet are clad in some choice jellies. This season it’s easier then ever with styles spanning all tastes and all budgets. (These are not the ones you begged your parents to buy you in the ’80s! Rest assured! Even as you’ve grown-up, so have they!)

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Bees may be in decline globally (which is truly no laughing matter) but, they seem abundantly celebrated everywhere else. Having never been stung (yet!) and passionately enamored with everything floral, a love of bees naturally follows.

These are gorgeous!!! Perfect for the chocolate lover, the gardener, the insect lover….the list goes on and on….

Not chewy like a store bought caramel, our bee chocolates have a liquid caramel center and a clear, caramelized honey taste. This unique flavor comes naturally from the fragrant basswood honey we use, supplied by the Draper Family Apiaries in Millerton, PA. Once filled, each of the nine bees is carefully painted by hand with a paper-thin layer of yellow and black cocoa butter. Guaranteed to please the palate just as much as the eye.

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Summer plans are being solidified now as Spring comes to a close and there is no better time than to get organized for the impending packing. If it’s the sweet mountain air that’s calling you….then you’re in luck!

Wildflowers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Today we feature a special guest post from an impeccably stylish, mother-of-three who manages to keep everything under control effortlessly, Sheralyn Baltes. Her love affair with Jackson Hole, Wyoming has been going strong for years and if you are headed to the mountains, ranch or countryside this summer we urge you to take her lead….

Mountains skyrocket up in Jackson

Sheralyn talks about the ‘Modern Mountain’ style…

Growing up in Seattle, I was able to experience a perfect balance between city living and mountain living. With the Cascade Mountain range at our fingertips, we camped, hiked, fished, and chased crickets all summer long. When I became a parent, I knew that I wanted my children to have the same experience. We are blessed to spend 8 months of the year in Santa Monica and the other 4 months in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The 3 summer months are particularly magical. I’m filled with nostalgia and joy everyday as I watch my 3 young boys run around our property freely.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

In an effort to free up my time out there, every spring, I get very strategic about my summer “in the mountains” fashion choices. The last thing I want to be doing on a warm summer evening is ordering new shoes from Zappos! No, no, no — that is precious time used for making guacamole and fresh margaritas! This year, I wanted to be particularly crafty. I needed to make versatile yet stylish choices. I was stuck somewhere between Coachella and the Jackson Hole Rodeo. (Coachella, I knew was too young, too hip, and too music festival cool for me. The Jackson Hole Rodeo smells like horse poop and Wranglers look weird on my back side.) What’s a girl to do?!

I wrote out the following guidelines:

Must be durable: Let’s not forget that I’m chasing 3 boys through river beds.

Must reflect my personality: Disciplined/structured but likes to let loose from time to time.

Must reflect my sense of style: Disciplined/structured but likes to let loose from time to time.

Must respect my age: I’m a 40 year old mom not a 25 year old music festival attendee.

Must be versatile: Need items that will interchange easily.

Must be cost conscious: Gotta know when to splurge and when to save.

Must be found online: Who has time to go shopping?

I used a few pictures from our property and created the storyboard picture shown above. I got inspiration from the area, and I slowly added clothing pieces that seemed to fit. Below is what I ended up with:

1. Low ankle Golden Goose boots: My one big splurge.

These boots can be worn with shorts, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, dresses, or just about anything. The boots from this brand are pricey, but they are worth it. I bought my last pair almost 5 years ago and I still wear them 2-3 times per week. The belt shown is also from Golden Goose.

2. Boyfriend cut-off shorts:I bought mine from Current Elliot.

Save: Take an old pair of low-waisted baggy jeans, cut them off mid thigh, leave the ends frayed, wash a few times, and you’re good to go.

When cutting, make sure to cut mid-thigh, not too short, not too long.

Make sure they are low-waisted.

Make sure they are loose fitting.

3. Simple, lightweight, versatile blouses.

Save: The floral print in the picture is from Forever 21, it was $17.00. It is so pretty in real life. It’s sheer, ties at the waist, and is absolutely versatile and flattering.

The tunic is from Madewell, also a great value.

The white sleeveless top is from Vince. A bit of a splurge but worth it.

4. No.6 Clogs: I’m obsessed. They are so cute and so comfortable. I found mine at Steven Allen. I wear these with shorts, boyfriend jeans, and simple dresses.

5. Button-down dress:This is a mountain girl must have. This one is from Old Navy.

6. Rings & necklace:I made these at Semi Precious on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.

Ask for Amy, show her a picture of what you’re looking for, and she’ll either make it for you or help you make it.

She has an amazing selection of materials, she’s incredibly talented, and she’s really fun.

Sunrise over Jackson Vista

I’m styled and ready for summer—Now, all I need to do is get through the rest of the school year!!

Giddy up Girlfriends!

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Part of what we take seriously is combing through collections, magazines, blogs to find those few standout pieces. Some are yet-to-be discovered treasures and some are on the ‘hit list’ of every fashionista. Today’s three fall into the last category.

You’d be hard-pressed to open a magazine this month anywhere from Hong Kong to Rome and not find one of these items splashed across its glossy pages.

The shoe of the season comes in many iterations from silk to python, cuffed to sandal. Here are a few more views:

Photo Courtesy of: InStyle UK

In Kelly Green & Lux Gold

If you’re hard-pressed to find them online (they are selling out rapidly!!) check your local Burberry boutique for more sizes.

Looks sharp paired with the Burberry metallic skirt

THE Bag!

What makes this Anya Hindmarch Clutch so versatile and well-loved is that it travels easily from day to night. And, if you think about your summer schedule you probably do too! Whether you are in the office or at the beach, this clutch can go the distance. The straw, raffia and colorful embroidery all scream summer!

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We know that it is summer on everyone’s mind right now (ours included) and no one is interested in the sweater vest. But, this look from the street featured in Vogue, UK stuck out from all of the rest. It’s so sleek and polished, yet super easy to recreate.

Photo Courtesy of: Vogue UK

It’s a fresh look to try come fall when the weather is getting just a bit nippy and you need a little something extra.

Lock it away for mid-September, early October and you will thank us later.

What you will need:

The right belted shirt dress with a fitted, modern sweater vest. (You might have the two at home already, just had not thought of pairing them and capping it off with a great high-heel!)

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Styling references to the ’60s dominate spring fashion, so we’ll take a quick look at the how to’s in hair, and ways to ‘mod-ify’ any outfit with prime accessories.

Hair—The sexy, tousled bouffant

Photo Courtesy of: Vogue Australia

Photo Courtesy of: Vogue Australia

The first step is always a good volumizing spritz to the hair roots.

Use an oversized round brush to blow-dry hair big and voluminous.

Center-part hair.

Divide the hair on the crown of head into three equal sections. Two front sections (see picture above) and one back section.

For the back section, use 2-3 inch pieces turn-by-turn and back-comb with a fine-toothed comb.

Using your fingers to gently tousle, pull back the back-combed sections together midway down your head and cinch. This should have created a little uplift at the crown. Tease the two front sections to add a touch of volume. Keep the center part, or arrange as a dramatic side-part. Cinch the two front sections in the back as well and voila!

The Shoes—a touch of white

Photo Courtesy of: Vogue

There are lots of interpretations of the perfect white boot this spring. But, Jil Sander’s comes up on top!

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When the wind sweeps through the trees Maui’s Bamboo Forest sounds like a cacophony of high-heeled shoes engulfing you, yet if you are lucky there are no other hikers (and definitely no stilettos) in sight. It’s spectacular, intensely green and the end-note is a breathtaking waterfall.

The hike is neither hard nor long, but it is dirty, (squelchy) and reaching the waterfall up-close requires scrambling through rocky streams and getting quite wet!

If you are staying in Wailea, don’t let the drive scare you. The road to Hana is definitely winding, and often one lane, but the views are spectacular, raw and truly untouched.

Once you’re rested, you might be pondering ways to infuse a little bamboo into your daily routine? Some ideas…

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A new crop of flatforms and wedges allows you to step into spring with both comfort and style. We are true believers in flatforms that give the extra inch or two of height and the cushion to go all day…

Going on our third season with Donald Pliner Fifi Sandals, we are true believers. Every spring more retailers carry them and the texture and color range expands as well (check-out the python leather below available at Garnet Hill).

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Spring flowers might be just on the precipice of peeking out of the ground, but there are bouquets a-plenty on the minds of designers who’ve placed petals on everything from jeans to pot holders to baby shoes. Even as winter persists in many parts of the world there are sure to be abundant blooms.

Chanel Floral Bodice

Antoniomarras.it

Photo Courtesy of Vogue Italie

Use these fresh florals below as inspiration to plan a spring-time garden party!!!

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As glamorous adults from Hollywood to Bollywood don their Sunday best to attend Oscar-viewing parties, we take a moment to survey the high-drama clothing that is also available for even the littlest ones in the family. These are just a few of our many many favorites which we will unfurl over the coming weeks…..

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It’s not revolutionary, just timeless, elegant and at the moment everywhere! Black and gold couple and create a stir. Here are a few pictures from around the world as well as a few pieces to make you think…

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Today marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year and we pay homage to the great snake, as it is her year! In honor of this Spring Festival, today is the perfect day to invest in a little serpent-inspired treat. Here are our favorite picks

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If only the little shoe-maker looking for love had taken cues from Hogan and called on the likes of Katie Grand! This talented style chameleon is responsible for these spirited loafers spotlighted in L’Officiel Paris.

Photo Courtesy of:L’Officiel Paris

For these playful shoes you need a good bronzer for your legs, a modern skirt and simple structured t-shirt. Mirroring the bold color contrast in the loafers, we love these Kate Spade pearls. They pair perfectly emphasizing the girly with a sharp-angled, contrasting black bow.

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A fresh look at the Funny Face girl is very hard to find…but, come April you will want this book! It’s a great gift idea for your favorite fashionista as well! Audrey in Rome, will be released April 2, 2013 and is available for pre-order now. This feast for the eyes, prepared by Luca Dotti, is positioned to be a true Roman Holiday!

Sky-rocketing to the top of the list for this season’s must-have heels is this shining pair of pumps. They are crisp and modern and perfectly capture TWO huge spring trends—metallic and clear panels (see below). This shoe will go! Available for pre-order from Bergdorf Goodman, they will not be around for long. Expected to ship in early April, just in time for sleek pencil skirts and a crisp blazer.

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A bit off-of-the-radar, but worth the trip, this is the traditional ‘pelleteria’ you do not want to miss, especially if it is scarpe you desire. Entering the store a buttery leather smell immediately welcomes you and packed shelves of caramel-colored leather shoes await. They are perfectly-crafted, well-priced, with styles to fit any and all. Situated just off of the fashionable Via del Babuino, Domus does not disappoint or break the bank. They also sell leather bags and accessories.

Open Monday 15:30-19:30, Tuesday to Saturday 09:30-13:00 and 15:30-19:30.

Via Belsiana 52, 00187 Roma (RM). Tel: 06 6789083

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It’s the cagey look that has everyone tied up, at it’s supremely wearable. Soft gray can work with almost any color and perfectly offsets the modern lattice of this shoe. It has style in spades and the warm gray pairs perfectly with the bold prints of the season like this Mara Hoffman embroidered strapless dress.

DeBoles Organic Jerusalem Artichoke Flour Pasta. If my Italian mother-in-law recommends it, I know I’m right and it’s definitely good. You’ll enjoy the nutty flavor, the silky, non-sticky texture and the health benefits to boot! Try it with your favorite ragu and you won’t be disappointed. Available online and at most Whole Foods locations.

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Conceived by a Los Angeles-based mom and a refugee from fifteen years in publishing, ten at powerhouse Condé Nast, bonconseil.us provides light-hearted counsel relevant to une femme of any age. From Mumbai to London, Muscat to Hong Kong, we aim to please, so drop us a note if something worked. . .or, it didn’t, or if you just need plus de conseil. . .